Flight tests have commenced of a new special forces-roled variant of the NH Industries (NHI) NH90 helicopter that is being developed for the French army.

Conducted by NHI consortium member Airbus Helicopters, flight testing of the Standard 2 configuration will run until the end of the year.

NH90 SF-c-Airbus Helicopters

Source: Airbus Helicopters

Standard 2 modification features new sensors and equipment for French army

France has ordered a total of 18 NH90s in the new configuration, which includes Safran’s Euroflir 410 electro-optical/infrared sensor, a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member and enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns.

In addition, the Standard 2 prototype is equipped with mechanical and electrical provisioning to enable the future integration of a distributed aperture system – Safran’s infrared-based Eurofl’Eye suite – and a new helmet-mounted sight digital display, should France give the go-ahead.

Delivery of the first NH90 Standard 2 helicopter is due in 2025. France initially ordered 10 examples but in 2023 added a further eight units to its commitment.

NHI comprises Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and GKN/Fokker.

Dominic Perry is deputy editor of Flight International but also contributes extensively to flightglobal.com. Although specialising in the coverage of the helicopter industry, he has written on most topics in aerospace – be they commercial, defence or business aviation. In addition, there has been an increasing focus on the decarbonisation of the industry and zero-emission flight initiatives.View full Profile

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